Foreign aid can sometimes account for over 90% of a country’s GDP; yet developing nations are quickly learning that foreign aid is not a long-term solution. And over the past few years, we’ve seen just how interconnected the global economy is: a misstep in one economy, affects the global economy.

“Policymaking…has to set the environment to make it conducive for people to invest, be entrepreneurial and to innovate,” Moyo told Forbes Woman.

Investment in entrepreneurship—particularly women entrepreneurship—can lead to long-term growth in developing countries, the type of change that affects economic development, and a collaborative effort that influences innovation and empowers citizens to contribute to their nation’s GDP.

It is time to stop just giving aid, except in immediate situations like trauma, famine and war. We need to teach people how to be self sustainable. Otherwise we just encourage people to wait for someone else to help them. We are all capable of being strong and investing in ourselves. I have seen enough positive change in this world to know that is possible.

I am glad the world is waking up to this idea of investing in people and countries instead of just giving. It is a sign that we can make this world a better place. Not perfect, but better.